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Cue all of the nostalgic feelings because Hamburger Helper is making a comeback — and this One-Pot Hamburger Helper is still just as simple.
Raise your hands if you grew up on Hamburger Helper? My momma made it all the time and I mean, we can all agree that stuff is freaking delicious and pretty genius! But good grief, if I only knew then what I knew now I would have NEVER put that stuff in my body. It is just packed full of fake and horrible ingredients! So let’s clean it up with this One-Pot Hamburger Helper. And if you’re looking for a take on their Italian Shells and Cheese, check out my One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese.
But, Hamburger Helper is freaking delicious, easy, and saves a Mom’s life for dinner when she doesn’t have time to think or cook dinner! So Amen to that. However, I made this clean version for my kiddos the other day, and WOW, its delicious. Plus, it doesn’t take any longer than the toxic filled boxed version! So you momma’s out there with picky kids and husbands, rejoice! This is the answer to your prayers.
I’ve told you many times that my favorite brand of gluten-free pasta I use in my house is Jovial Brown Rice Pasta. It only has two ingredients (organic rice flour + water) and the taste and texture is outstanding. I buy mine at Whole Foods and I use it in this dish to keep it gluten-free and clean. Also, if you are a dairy-free family– you’ll see that the dairy I included in the dish is optional.
So here we have it: a one-pot, easy, delicious Hamburger Helper that your kids will say DANGGGG GIRRRL.. haha, maybe they won’t say that but they will definitely say positive things and you only have to dirty up one skillet to make it. I just LOVE it.
If you enjoyed this One-Pot Hamburger Helper, try my other one-pot meals!
One-Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 12 oz. dried elbow pasta (I use Jovial Brown Rice Pasta for Gluten-Free) *regular pasta or even chickpea pasta works here
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk *for dairy-free, sub 2 cups almond milk or just do 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, omit for dairy-free
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, and ground beef. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Saute, breaking up the ground beef with the back of a spoon, until the beef is cooked through, no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary (I like to keep at least 2 tbsp in there for added flavor).
- Add in the tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add the pasta, the beef broth and the milk and Stir to combine. Bring contents in the pot to a boil and once boiling, reduce the heat to a very subtle simmer and let cook until pasta is tender, stirring very often, until most of the liquid has absorbed and the pasta is al dente, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in the cheese. Garnish with parsley, if using.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Eat Love Eats.
Delicious and simple! Good for the whole family and makes easy leftovers. My kids love.
This is my boys’ favorite meal! We eat it at least twice a week! I make it with ground turkey and everyone loves it
A new husband favorite!! And it will be a recipe he can make 🤣🙌🏼 But seriously it’s amazing and so easy!! And it’s nice to eat a healthier version of my favorite childhood dinner. 💕💕 THANKS, ALEX!!
We’ve made this several times and it’s a hit for us! I love that it’s easy to tweak with what I have on hand. I’ve used rice milk or soy milk, beef or pork, added mushrooms, spinach, and frozen peas. It’s a great framework to play with!
We make this a few times a month and I’ve passed it on to my SIL and their family loves it as well! We use Oatmilk and GF pasta and it comes out delicious every time!
This recipe is fantastic and blows the boxed stuff out of the water. This is the second time in about a week I’ve made this recipe, so I wanted to share something I discovered when I realized I didn’t buy milk. If you double the beef stock and use about 2 ounces of cream cheese as well as a tablespoon of butter, you get a fantastically thick and creamy sauce – much better than what you get with the milk! Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I like to add carrots, broccoli, and peas as well. It really works well. I’m curious if I can convert this to a low-carb meal as well! Anyway, thanks again. I’ll certainly be using this recipe again and again. (Tip: take Gina’s recommendation of the fresh parsley – it totally transforms the dish!!)
We make this once a week every week! It comes out perfectly every time.
Another winner! Love that these are simple pantry staples and that it’s one pot. Thank you!!
Soooo good – and my 3yo asked to eat it every day! I don’t think it needs cheese, is totally delicious without! Just needed a bit more salt and pepper for our taste. Thanks for this!!!
Added in some frozen veg (carrots, corn, beans & peas) when I added in the pasta. Turned out super easy!
Love this recipe! It is a go-to everyone loves! Thank you!!